CBRN attack detection system and method II

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods for improving the ability of a detection system to distinguish between a “true attack” as opposed to a nominal increase in a monitored environmental characteristic.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/619,884, filed Oct. 18, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to civil defense in general, and, more particularly, to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attack-detection systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attack on a civilian population is a dreadful event. The best response requires the earliest possible detection of the attack so that individuals can flee and civil defense authorities can contain its effects. To this end, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attack-detection systems are being deployed in many urban centers.

It is important, of course, that a CBRN attack-detection system is able to quickly determine that an attack has occurred. But it is also important that the attack-detection system does not issue false alarms. As a consequence, testing and calibration of each attack-detection system is important.

It would be desirable to test and calibrate each CBRN attack-detection system at its intended deployment location. But to do so would be very expensive and, of course, only simulants, not the actual agents of interest, could be used. The current practice for testing and calibration is to release physical simulants in outdoor test locations or in special test chambers. This approach is of questionable value and relatively expensive.

First, to the extent that the calibration is performed outdoors, simulants, rather than the actual agents (e.g., anthrax, etc.) must be used. Second, due to the aforementioned expense of repeated runs, attack-detection systems are typically calibrated based on only a limited number of attack scenarios. This brings into question the ability of the detector to accurately discriminate over a wide range of scenarios. Third, whether the calibration is performed outdoors or in a special test chamber, it doesn't replicate the actual environment in which the system is to operate. Differences in terrain and ambient conditions between the test site and the actual deployment location will affect the accuracy of the calibration.

Regarding expense, every system that is scheduled to be deployed must be tested. Furthermore, a large number of attack scenarios (e.g., different concentrations, different simulants, etc.) should be simulated for proper calibration. Each additional run means added expense.

In view of present practice, and the implications of inaccuracy, there is a need for a more reliable, accurate, and cost-effective approach for testing and calibrating attack-detection systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved attack-detection system and methods.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for obtaining data for calibrating an attack-detection system that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages of the prior art.

In accordance with this method, (1) background data and (2) attack data are separately obtained and then combined. In particular, the characteristic background signature (e.g., particle count, etc.) prevailing at the intended deployment environment (e.g., a fixed site such as an airport, a subway station, etc.) is obtained. Usually, a days-worth of data is sufficient. In some embodiments, this signature is extrapolated to longer time intervals to include both diurnal and seasonal variations, such as temperature, relative humidity, pollen counts, train schedules (if the target environment is a subway station), etc. As to item (2), the specific agents of interest, such as anthrax, etc., are released in a test chamber. Alternatively, simulants can be used instead of the actual agents. Release data is obtained and used to model various attack scenarios. Modeling is performed using computational fluid dynamics and/or other techniques to generate time-dependent release (attack) data. The attack data is then superimposed on the background (or extrapolated background) data.

The inventors recognized that by decoupling the background particle signature from “attack” data, as described above, the cost of data acquisition could be reduced and the value of the data would be substantially increased. That is, since the “background data” and the “attack data” are decoupled, the attack data can be based on limited and even one-time testing in a chamber. Since this testing does not need to be repeated for each system deployment, and since it is performed in a chamber, the actual agents of interest (e.g., anthrax, etc.) can be used. These agents are very carefully regulated, very expensive, and are not readily obtained. Using the release data, a very large number (e.g., 1000+, etc.) of attack scenarios are modeled using any of a variety of different computational methods.

The attack data is superimposed on the characteristic background particle signature. Again, since the background particle signature is obtained at the intended deployment location, this provides a far better basis for evaluating the ability of a detector to discriminate an actual attack from a nominal increase in the background particle level.

In some other embodiments, the present invention provides a method for evaluating the ability of an attack-detection system to discriminate between a “true” attack and a nominal increase in background particulate content. The method involves generating a time-varying “threshold” by applying the combined attack/background signature data and a plurality of parameter values (e.g., different window sizes for a moving average, different numbers of standard deviations, etc.) to a function under test. The threshold defines the “attack”/“no-attack” boundary. A particle count, etc., that exceeds the threshold is indicative of an attack. Since the threshold varies based on changes in the background particulate content, it will be a better discriminator than a fixed threshold.

Thousands of attack scenarios are modeled for each function being tested. The number of “true positives” (i.e., detected attacks), “false positives,” (i.e., false alarms), “false negatives,” (i.e., undetected attacks) and “true negatives” are recorded for the function. These measures can then be used to evaluate the efficacy of the function.

In particular, a penalty function is defined. The value of the penalty function—the penalty value—is based, for example, on the measures listed above. The penalty-value calculation is repeated for a plurality of candidate functions, wherein each candidate function is evaluated using a plurality of attack scenarios and background particle counts.

A “best” function is selected based on a comparison of penalty values. The attack-detection system is then implemented using the best function as the basis for discriminating attacks from nominal increases in background particle count.

In yet some further embodiments, the present invention provides an improved attack-detection system that utilizes the methods described above. The attack-detection system includes a sensor that continuously monitors the concentration of airborne particles and a processor that generates a time-varying threshold. An alert is generated if, and only if, the concentration of airborne particles exceeds the current value of the threshold. As previously described, use of a time-varying threshold, rather than a fixed threshold, accounts for variations in the background particle concentration, which can increase the probability of detection of an attack.

The system's processor generates the time-varying threshold using a function and certain parameters. The function and parameters that are used by the processor are selected from among a plurality of candidate functions and parameters.

The illustrative embodiment comprises:

-   -   Obtaining, over a nominal time interval, the characteristic         background signature (i.e., particle count) at an actual target         environment (e.g., an airport, subway station, etc.). In some         embodiments, this data is extrapolated over longer time         intervals to include both diurnal and seasonal variations, such         as temperature, relative humidity, pollen counts, train         schedules (if the target environment is a subway), etc.     -   Obtaining time-dependent release data for agent(s) of interest.     -   Modeling various attack scenarios using computational fluid         dynamics and/or other techniques, based on the actual release         data, to generate time-dependent attack data.     -   Superimposing the attack data on the background (or extrapolated         background) data.     -   Generating a time-varying threshold by applying the superimposed         data and a plurality of parameter values (e.g., different window         sizes for a moving average, different numbers of standard         deviations, etc.) to a function under test.     -   Defining a penalty function and calculating a penalty value for         the time-varying threshold. The penalty value is a measure of         the efficacy of the function. The penalty value is based, for         example, on the rate of “true positives” (i.e., detected         attacks), “false positives,” (i.e., false alarms), “false         negatives,” (i.e., undetected attacks) and “true negatives” for         the time-varying threshold.     -   Repeating the penalty-value calculation for a plurality of         candidate functions and parameter values under a variety of         attack scenarios.     -   Selecting a “best” function and parameter values based on a         comparison of the penalty value for each of the time-varying         thresholds that were generated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a method in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary graph of a background data signal, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary graph of an attack data signal A(t).

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary graph of the background data signal of FIG. 1 summed with the attack data signal, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary graph of a plurality of time-varying thresholds, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the salient tasks associated with evaluating a plurality of threshold generators, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed flowchart for task 607, as depicted in FIG. 6, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts the salient components of an attack-detection system, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of the salient tasks performed by attack-detection system 800, as shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of the specification and the appended claims, the term “calendrical time” is defined as indicative of one or more of the following:

(i) a time (e.g., 16:23:58, etc.),

(ii) one or more temporal designations (e.g., Tuesday, November, etc.),

(iii) one or more events (e.g., Thanksgiving, John's birthday, etc.), and

(iv) a time span (e.g., 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, etc.).

FIG. 1 depicts a flowchart of the salient tasks of method 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Method 100 is described below with reference to FIGS. 2-7.

Task 101 of method 100 recites obtaining a characteristic background signature, B, of an environmental characteristic of interest. In the illustrative embodiment, the environmental characteristic is the concentration of airborne particulates having a size in a range of about 1 to 10 microns. In some other embodiments, other environmental characteristics of interest can be considered. The signature is obtained at the eventual intended deployment site of the monitoring system (e.g., attack-detection system, etc.).

The background characteristic is obtained over a time interval that is sufficient for capturing any routine variation in the background signature. That is, to the extent that a fluctuation occurs on a regular basis at a specific time due as a consequence of a regularly reoccurring event (e.g., rush hour, cleaning, etc.), the monitoring period must capture it. Typically, 12 to 48 hours-worth of data gathering should be sufficient. Those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, will know how to obtain the desired data.

In some embodiments, the actual background signature is modified to account for diurnal and seasonal variations. For example, variations in temperature, relative humidity, pollen count, train schedules (as appropriate) are considered. Those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, will know how to modify the characteristic background signature with diurnal and seasonal variations.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary graph of background data signal B(t) as a function of time. The background signal is measured at an intended deployment location, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, this graph plots the level of airborne particle concentration, for particles in a specific size range (e.g., 1 to 10 microns), as a function of time. This signal represents the normal level of the environmental characteristic at this location in the absence of an attack. This normal level is due, for example, to dirt, air pollution, pollen, etc.

With continuing reference to method 100, task 102 recites obtaining time-dependent release data. In some embodiments, this involves obtaining agents of interest (e.g., chemical, biological, etc.) and monitoring their release in a chamber. In some other embodiments, simulants, rather than the agents of interest, are released. The simulants are typically benign particles that are within a size range or other characteristic of interest. Those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, will know how to obtain the desired release data.

In task 103 of method 100, an “attack” scenario, A, is developed based on the actual release data. To develop the attack scenario, any of a variety of models, such as computational fluid dynamics, is used. The attack scenario will be based on a particular amount of agent being released, prevailing winds, temperature, etc.

FIG. 3 shows attack data signal A(t). This graph depicts the concentration, in particles per liter (PPL), of an agent as a function of time after release, where time is shown as 15 second averages (i.e., T=1 is 15 seconds after release, etc.).

The attack data signal depicted in FIG. 3 is based on an attack scenario wherein 1 gram of an aerosolized agent is released in a subway station at time T=0. The particle plume is driven by a 2.2 feet per second stream of air flowing along the subway platform. The sensor is assumed to be 160 feet from the location of release.

Returning again to FIG. 1 and method 100, task 104 recites superimposing the attack data on the characteristic background signature of the environmental characteristic of interest.

FIG. 4 depicts a plot of A(t)+B(t), where signal A(t) is the attack data signal of FIG. 3 and B(t) is the background data signal of FIG. 2. The graph of A(t)+B(t) therefore represents the level of the airborne particulates environmental characteristic when an attack occurs at the deployment location. The attack data signal A(t) can be scaled to represent different release amounts. In FIG. 4, the attack occurs at approximately time 2000, as reflected by the large spike.

In accordance with task 105 of method 100, a time-varying threshold, T(t), is generated. The time-varying threshold is the boundary that discriminates between “attack” and “no-attack” boundary. A particle count, etc., that exceeds the threshold is indicative of an attack.

Time-varying threshold T(t) is generated by (1) selecting a function or expression, (2) selecting one or more parameters, and (3) applying the function and parameters to the superimposed data. Examples of parameters that are used in conjunction with a given function include, without limitation, a moving average of the data over a particular sliding time window (e.g., a 10-second window, a 20-second window, etc.), the standard deviation of the data in the time window, higher-order statistical moments of the data, and the like.

Many different time-varying thresholds are generated by changing the function and/or associated parameters. For each selected function and parameter set, thousands of attack scenarios are modeled and tested. This is done by permuting the attack scenarios in accordance with task 103, and superimposing them on the background data signature in accordance with task 104. In other words, each function and parameter set that is being tested is applied to a plurality of superimposed data: A(t)_(n)+B(t) wherein n=1 to about 1,000+ (often as high as about 10,000). Additionally, the background data set B(t) can also be varied.

Returning again to method 100, a “best” time-varying threshold is selected as per task 106. To do this, the performance of each function/parameter combination, as applied to each superimposed data set, is evaluated. Typical performance measures include the number of “true positives” (i.e., detected attacks), “false positives,” (i.e., false alarms), “false negatives,” (i.e., undetected attacks) and “true negatives” for the various attack scenarios that are run for each function/parameter combination.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary graph of a plurality of time-varying thresholds, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A desirable time-varying threshold is one that has no false positives (i.e., the threshold is always greater than background data signal B(t)), and has no false negatives (i.e., every time there is an attack, A(t)+B(t) crosses above the threshold.) As shown in FIG. 5, time-varying threshold 502 is undesirable because the attack at time 2000 does not cross above the threshold, and thus threshold 502 has a false negative. Similarly, time-varying threshold 508 is undesirable because it crosses below background data signal B(t) at approximately time 1350, when no attack has yet occurred, and thus threshold 508 has a false positive.

Time-varying thresholds 504 and 506 both have no false negatives and no false positives. Intuitively, threshold 506 can be considered better than threshold 504 because it is always lower than threshold 504. Threshold 506 could, therefore, potentially detect an attack that evades detection by threshold 504.

In the illustrative embodiment, a quantitative measure, which is based on the performance measures described above, is used to evaluate the efficacy of the function.

In particular, the illustrative embodiment employs a penalty function that assigns a penalty value to a time-varying threshold over a particular time interval to quantify how “good” the threshold is. The penalty function is a function of an attack data signal A(t), a background data signal B(t), a time-varying threshold T(t), and a particular time interval.

In the illustrative embodiment, the penalty function reflects: the number of false positives over the time interval (the fewer the better); the number of false negatives over the time interval (the fewer the better); how tightly threshold T(t) bounds background data signal B(t) (the tighter the better); the sensitivity of threshold T(t) (i.e., the level of A(t)+B(t) at which T(t) correctly signals an attack, where lower is better), and the time delay between the initiation of an attack and T(t)'s signaling of the attack (the smaller the delay the better). Thus, the penalty function for a particular time-varying threshold T(t) is minimized when threshold T(t) is most desirable. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, some other embodiments of the present invention might employ a different penalty function to measure the efficacy of a particular time-varying threshold.

Once a penalty function has been defined, different threshold generators can be compared by comparing the penalty values of the resulting time-varying thresholds.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the salient tasks associated with accomplishing tasks 105 and 106 of method 100. In particular, the method of FIG. 6 performs the following tasks:

-   -   Defines threshold generators for generating a plurality of         thresholds, based on different functions, parameters, and attack         scenarios;     -   Evaluates the merits of the threshold generators via a penalty         function;     -   Selects the best generator (i.e., the generator whose threshold         has the lowest penalty); and     -   Generates a threshold-generation program based on the best         generator.         It will be clear to those skilled in the art which tasks         depicted in FIG. 6 can be performed simultaneously or in a         different order than that depicted.

Turning now to the method of FIG. 6, at task 601, background data signal B(t) is adjusted, if necessary, based on the calendrical time interval during which the threshold generator will be executed at the deployment location. For example, background data signal B(t) measurements might have been obtained during the winter, while deployment might occur during the summer, when B(t) might be higher due to pollen and increased air pollution. Similarly, background data signal B(t) might be adjusted to reflect train schedules at a subway station, because the arrival of a train at a station causes wind drafts from “piston effects” that could alter B(t).

At task 602, set S is initialized to the various algorithm/parameter combinations of the candidate threshold generators to be evaluated. For example, set S might include: 10-second moving average; 20-second moving average; 10-second moving average+1 standard deviation; 20-second moving average+2.5 standard deviations; etc.

At task 603, variable min is initialized to ∞, and variable best_c is initialized to null.

At task 604, a member c of set S is selected, and c is deleted from S.

At task 605, variable G_(c) is set to a threshold generator “shell” program (or “engine”) and is instantiated with c's algorithm and parameter values.

At task 606, generator G_(c) receives as input A(t)+B(t), u≦t≦v, and generates time-varying threshold T(t) based on this input.

At task 607, the penalty function is evaluated for threshold T(t) and stored in variable temp. Task 607 is described in detail below and with respect to FIG. 7.

Task 608 checks whether temp<min; if so, execution proceeds to task 609, otherwise, execution continues at task 610.

At task 609, temp is copied into min and c is copied into best_c.

Task 610 checks whether set S is empty; if so, execution proceeds to task 611, otherwise, execution continues back at task 604.

At task 611, a software program P that corresponds to G_(best) _(—) _(c) is generated. Program P receives a time-varying input signal in real time and generates a time-varying threshold from the input signal using the algorithm and parameter values of generator G_(best) _(—) _(c).

At task 612, the method outputs software program P, and then terminates.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed flowchart for task 607, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 7 can be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that depicted.

At task 701, a measure M₁ of false positives that occur with threshold T(t) over time interval [u, v] is determined. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments measure M₁ might reflect the number of false positives, while in some other embodiments another measure might be used (e.g., whether or not any false positives occur, etc.).

At task 702, a measure M₂ of false negatives that occur with threshold T(t) over time interval [u, v] is determined.

At task 703, the sensitivity σ of threshold T(t) (i.e., the value of A(t)+B(t) that causes threshold T(t) to correctly signal an attack) is determined.

At task 704, the timeliness τ of threshold T(t) (i.e., the time difference between the initiation of an attack and threshold T(t)'s signaling of the attack) is determined.

At task 705, penalty function p is evaluated based on measure M₁, measure M₂, sensitivity σ, and timeliness τ.

After task 705, execution continues at task 608 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts the salient components of attack-detection system 800, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Attack-detection system 800 comprises receiver 802, processor 804, memory 806, clock 808, environmental characteristic sensor 810, and output device 812, interconnected as shown.

Environmental characteristic sensor 810 measures the level of an environmental characteristic (e.g., airborne particle concentration, radiation level, etc.) over time and generates a time-varying signal based on these measurements, in well-known fashion.

Receiver 802 receives a signal from environmental characteristic sensor 810 and forwards the information encoded in the signal to processor 804, in well-known fashion. Optionally, receiver 802 might also receive signals from one or more additional sensors that measure other environmental characteristics (e.g., wind speed, temperature, humidity, etc.) and forward the information encoded in these signals to processor 804. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments receiver 802 might receive signals from sensor 810 via a wired link, while in some other embodiments sensor 810 might have an embedded wireless transmitter that transmits signals wirelessly to receiver 802, and so forth. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use receiver 802.

Processor 804 is a general-purpose processor that is capable of: receiving information from receiver 802; reading data from and writing data into memory 806; executing software program P, described above with respect to FIG. 6; executing the tasks described below and with respect to FIG. 9; and outputting signals to output device 812. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, processor 804 might be a special-purpose processor. In either case, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this specification, how to make and use processor 804.

Memory 806 stores data and executable instructions, as is well-known in the art, and might be any combination of random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive memory, etc. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this specification, how to make and use memory 806.

Clock 808 transmits the current time, date, and day of the week to processor 804 in well-known fashion.

Output device 812 is a transducer (e.g., speaker, video display, etc.) that receives electronic signals from processor 804 and generates a corresponding output signal (e.g., audio alarm, video warning message, etc.), in well-known fashion. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments output device 812 might receive signals from processor 804 via a wired link, while in some other embodiments attack-detection system 800 might also include a transmitter that transmits information from processor 804 to output device 812 (e.g., via radio-frequency signals, etc.). It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use output device 812.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of the salient tasks performed by attack-detection system 800, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 9 can be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that depicted.

At task 901, receiver 802 receives from sensor 810: signal L(t), the level of an environmental characteristic at time t; and optionally, one or more additional signals from other environmental characteristic sensors. Receiver 802 forwards the information encoded in these signals to processor 804, in well-known fashion.

At task 902, processor 804 runs program P to compute the value of time-varying threshold T(t) at time t, based on a sliding time window of size δ (i.e., L(u) for t−δ≦u≦t).

At task 903, processor 804 adjusts time-varying threshold T(t), if necessary, based on one or more of: the calendrical time, a schedule, and an additional signal from another environmental characteristic sensor. For example, if the calendrical time indicates that it is rush hour, threshold T(t) might be adjusted to compensate for the effect of increased train frequency on signal L(t). As another example, if a train schedule or a reading from a sensor indicates that a train is coming into a subway station, threshold T(t) might be adjusted to compensate for expected changes in signal L(t) due to air movements caused by the train.

Task 904 checks whether L(t)>T(t); if not, execution continues back at task 901, otherwise execution proceeds to task 905.

At task 905, processor 804 generates an alert signal that indicates that an attack has occurred, and transmits the alert signal to output device 812, in well-known fashion. After task 905, the method of FIG. 9 terminates.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and that many variations of the above-described embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in this Specification, numerous specific details are provided in order to provide a thorough description and understanding of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of those details, or with other methods, materials, components, etc.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, but not necessarily all embodiments. Consequently, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout the Specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is therefore intended that such variations be included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method comprising: generating a plurality of time-varying thresholds T(t)_(i), wherein i=1, n, wherein each said time-varying threshold is a candidate for signaling an occurrence of an event of type E, wherein said event of type E is an attack selected from the group consisting of a chemical attack, a biological attack, a radiological attack, and a nuclear attack; evaluating a penalty function for each of said time-varying thresholds T(t)_(i) over a time interval, wherein said penalty function is based on: (i) a time-varying signal B(t) that is based on a level of an environmental characteristic in the absence of an event of type E, (ii) a time-varying signal A(t) that is based on a level of said environmental characteristic in the presence of an event of type E, and (iii) said time-varying threshold T(t)_(i); and selecting a best time-varying threshold using said penalty function, wherein the best time-varying threshold is used to signal the occurrence of the event of type E.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said time-varying signal B(t) is based on measurements at a first location, and wherein said time-varying signal A(t) is based on measurements at a second location.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first location is a site to be monitored for an occurrence of an event of type E.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the second location is a test chamber.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of said penalty function is based on the number of false positives.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of said penalty function is based on the number of false negatives.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said time interval is associated with a calendrical time, and wherein said time-varying signal B(t) is also based on said calendrical time.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating a program that accepts as an input the level of said environmental characteristic over said time interval, and that generates said time-varying threshold T(t) based on said input.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein said environmental characteristic is airborne particle concentration.
 10. A method comprising: generating a time-varying threshold, wherein said time-varying threshold is based on a time-varying background level of a first environmental characteristic and further based on time-varying release data of the first environmental characteristic, wherein the release data is based on a release of the first environmental characteristic at an elevated level relative to the background level; monitoring a level of said first environmental characteristic at a first location; and generating an alert if, and only if, the level of the monitored first environmental characteristic at a time t exceeds said time-varying threshold at said time t.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the generating of said time-varying threshold is also based on the level of a second environmental characteristic.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said second environmental characteristic is wind velocity.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the time-varying release data of the first environmental characteristic is obtained at a second location.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the second location comprises a test chamber.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein said first environmental characteristic is airborne particle concentration, and wherein said time-varying threshold is for signaling one of a chemical attack, a biological attack, a radiological attack, and a nuclear attack.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein the generating of said time-varying threshold is also based on calendrical time.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein the time-varying background level of the first environmental characteristic is obtained at the first location. 